Scots crush Mesquite despite weather

The Scots have proved unbeatable this season, rain or shine, and last Friday was no exception. Rain poured down as the scattered Scots fans flooded into the stadium, most secretly hoping for a cancellation of the game or delay until the rain eased off.

“Games in the rain are never as fun as the other games, because not as many fans show up to cheer us on and the ones who do come aren’t as excited as they usually are,” junior Giff Giffin said.

Despite the weather and lack of fans, the whistle blew and the game proceeded. The Scots had to adjust to Mesquite’s strong offense in the opening quarter, allowing a touchdown but countering with a touchdown of their own. Early in the second quarter, the weather escalated, causing a seventy-five minute delay until the lightning subsided. Following the delay, the Scots pulled ahead by scoring twice with the help of senior quarterback Henry Allen. Four Mesquite turnovers and a Scots’ interception later, Highland Park was leading 28-14 in the middle of the third quarter. Near the end of the quarter, senior Henry Allen completed a pass to senior Chris Buell for a touchdown, putting them ahead by three touchdowns and sealing the game in favor of Highland Park.

“After Chris (Buell) scored that last touchdown, I knew we had won the game. We weren’t going to let Mesquite score three touchdowns in the last quarter,” senior Joseph Sweeney said.

The Skeeters tried to make a comeback in the final quarter, but the Scots’ infamous second-half defense was impenetrable. Mesquite senior quarterback, Anthony Tennison, made several attempts to complete a game-saving pass for a touchdown, but was shut down every time before reaching the end zone. Ending the game with a final score of 35-14, the Scots demonstrated the work ethic that is the Highland Park football program. Hopeful to continue their 5-0 district record, the Scots face Richardson Berkner this Thursday at their final home game in Highlander Stadium this season.